Rovos Rail Luxury Train Journeys in South Africa
The Train
Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation
for its truly world class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood panelled coaches
- classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine
in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond
the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged
travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant
fashion. The trains - which may be hauled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives
at various stages of the journey - carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly
appointed suites. Pride of place in the Rovos stable goes to the historic and newly
rebuilt Capital Park Station and locomotive yard, which is the heart and new headquarters
of this private railway company.
The Suites
The rebuilt sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train suites in the world,
offering every modern convenience and comfort. The epitome of luxury, with handsome
wood panelling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate
two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. All are equipped
with a writing surface and, for valuables, a personal safe. There is also a bar
fridge filled with beverages of the passengers’ choice and room service is available
24 hours a day. In the en suite bathrooms original fittings combine with the modern
technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs. The Royal Suites, each
of which take up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant, measuring +/-16 sq metres
in size (+/-172 sq ft). Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with
Victorian bath and separate shower. The Deluxe suites (+/-11 sq metres/+/-118 sq
feet) also accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge
area and en-suite bathroom with shower. A third level of accommodation, the Pullman
suite is +/-7 square metres (+/-76 sq ft) in size and while it includes the identical
bathroom to that of the deluxe suites, the bedroom is smaller with a one up one
down bunk for twin requirements or a double bed for couples. During the day this
can be converted into a comfortable couch.
The Coaches
Rovos Rail operates two classic 20-coach, 72 berth trains as well as a third 13-coach,
42-berth Edwardian train which is available year round for charter. Each of the
trains has two 42-seater dining cars to accommodate the maximum complement of 72
passengers in total comfort at one sitting. Each train has a non-smoking Observation
Car at the rear of the train, while the coach next to it contains a small smoking
lounge. A unique feature of the Observation Cars is the enlarged windows and open-air
balconies. At the centre of the train we have, when numbers dictate, a non-smoking
Lounge Car, which houses the Gift Shop.
Cuisine & Service
An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task
of ensuring guests every need is catered for, while considerable thought and meticulous
planning goes into making up the menus. Unlike many of the great trains of the world,
travellers are on board the trains for several days at a time, requiring a much
wider selection of meals. There's an accent on fresh local ingredients, and traditional
dishes such as game are a specialty. Every morning there's a full breakfast with
dishes cooked to order. A selection of cold meats, croissants, pastries, fresh fruit,
yoghurts, cereals and preserves make up a tempting breakfast buffet. For lunch and
dinner there is a starter and a choice of fish, meat or vegetarian dishes, followed
by a tempting dessert and are complemented by a selection of excellent South African
wines. All meals are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere
of the Dining Cars. Many of the passengers aboard the Pride of Africa enjoy the
formality of fine china, crisp linen and silver, and dress accordingly. During the
day dress is more casual, with cool, comfortable clothes and hats recommended for
the excursions, especially in the game reserves where it can be very hot. The Observation
Car seats 32 passengers and is positioned at the rear of the train. At the centre
of the train we have, when numbers dictate, a non-smoking Lounge Car, which seats
26 passengers in comfort. In maintaining the spirit of travel of a bygone era, there
are no radios or television sets onboard.
An Unforgettable Journey Into The Heart Of The African Bush. This three-day safari
on the most luxurious train in the world includes game drives in two varied and
unique game reserves. Experience the diversity of the Kruger Park, or Mkhaya in
Swaziland, or Hluhluwe Game Reserve in Zululand and wind your way from Pretoria
to Durban through some of the most spectacular scenery South Africa has to offer.
view itinerary to read more
For many visitors to South Africa, there is no finer way to see the country than
on the popular 48-hour weekly journeys between Pretoria and Cape Town. This 1600-kilometre
journey is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country. Travel
the grasslands of the gold rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great
Karoo. Trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic wine lands of
the Cape...
view itinerary to read more
This spectacular 550-kilometre 24-hour trip runs between Cape Town and George during
the summer months and is rated one of the most beautiful in the world. From the
Mother City the train, with the Hex River Mountains as a backdrop, travels through
the Tulbagh Valley towards Worcester. Grapes are grown in vast quantities in this
area, and apart from several co-operative wine cellars, there are a number of brandy
distilleries...
view itinerary to read more
Your two-night three day adventure begins with the departure from Rovos Rail’s gracious
station in Capital Park Pretoria. This special journey departs in the morning and
slowly meanders westwards through Mafikeng into Botswana and then north towards
Mahalapye, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn just after Gaberone. Once the train
has passed through the dry reaches of Botswana we arrive at Plumtree in the late
afternoon for border formalities with Zimbabwe...
view itinerary to read more
This relaxing six-day journey commences in the incomparable Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
and ends in majestic Cape Town. Between the two destinations is an adventure which
includes 4 nights of luxurious accommodation on the train and one night’s accommodation
off the train in a deluxe Pretoria hotel, with transfers to and from Rovos Rail’s
private station in Capital Park. Off-train excursions during the journey includes
an overnight stay in a Pretoria hotel...
view itinerary to read more